The Brownsville City Commission held a special workshop Tuesday to give the public a closer look at proposed regulations that would govern future data center development within the city.
During the workshop, city staff presented recommendations aimed at supporting economic development while protecting nearby neighborhoods through zoning, infrastructure, and operational requirements. Commissioners also discussed a proposed 90-day moratorium on new data center projects to allow additional time to evaluate and finalize the city’s regulatory framework.
Under the proposed ordinance, data centers would only be permitted in Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning districts and would require a Special Use Permit before construction could begin. The initial permit would be valid for one year, allowing the city to verify compliance with operational standards and infrastructure requirements before long-term approval.
The proposal includes several safeguards intended to minimize impacts on surrounding communities. Data centers would be required to use closed-loop cooling systems, be limited to five-acre sites, and maintain at least a one-mile separation from residential neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and other data centers.
Additional requirements call for a 20-foot landscaped buffer with native trees and an eight-foot masonry or solid screening wall to reduce noise and improve aesthetics.
Developers would also be required to coordinate with utility providers, demonstrate adequate electrical and water capacity, and submit a compliant water disposal plan before moving forward with a project.
The proposed ordinance establishes ongoing oversight through annual compliance reviews and utility reporting. City officials said the regulations are intended to provide clear standards for future data center development while balancing economic growth, infrastructure capacity, and the quality of life for Brownsville residents.
The proposed regulations and the potential 90-day moratorium are expected to return to the Brownsville City Commission for future consideration.
Source: City of Brownsville
